22-Piece Forstner Bit Set

Overview

Pre-sharpened high carbon steel bits are ready to use in any type of wood. Cut precision flat-bottom holes without tear-out. Set includes 22 forstner bits in common, standard sizes plus a storage case.

Reviews

I have only used one bit in the set so far, and it worked as advertised. I drilled a flat bottom hole in a wooden ball to make a mallet for the xylophone kit. The sides were smooth, and the bottom flat. I held the ball in a vise, and the bit was in a drill press, so I can't comment on the self centering ability of the bit.The box is durable, but it is difficult to remove the bits from the box, since by design, the bits are sharp.

The price was right, but you get what you pay for.Most of the cutting edges had noticable burrs and the tips of the rim teeth were rounded. However, about 3 hours with an auger bit file and honing stones made all the bits cut cleanly. These are technically not Forstner bits, but are brad-point multi-spur bits, so the very small sizes do not cut overlap holes very well.

For the price, it's a good deal for how many odd sizes you get. However, the quality of the drilled holes is not that great. There is a lot of tear out compared to my Forstner bits, which leave the sides and bottoms absolutely smooth. I need to do a lot of sanding to get the holes nice and smooth if they are not hidden.

I got these bits when there was a 50% off sale, and since there was a good amount of in-between sizes, I picked it up. The bits are not very sharp and causes a bit of tearout. The sides are torn up as well, unlike my CMT bits which leave the sides completely smooth and the bottom with no tear out (drilled exactly the same way with a piece to back up the cut on the bottom).For the price, these are good because the number of sizes available, but don't expect precision/smooth cuts.

Bought this set when it was on sale. Have used a couple of the bits for some european hinge mounting in red oak. I have to say after boring just four holes I am not very pleased. All the bits have burrs on the outside teeth from the start. I hope they last for a while. Bored holes with a drill press at the specified RPM on the case. If I do a lot more hinge bores I will buy a dedicated carbide bit. I have always trusted Rockler's quality but now will do more comparison shopping.

Performance was bad, to say the least,all the teeth on every bit were significantly blunted, and all had chips out of the steel. Why they bother with the protective plastic caps on the bits is beyond me. It looks like they were all put on tumble dry before packaging.

I build Electric Guitars which require a high degree in precision. These bits are awful. I've yet to find even 1 bit that spins in my new Drill Press true. I have old old Forstner bits that spin true. If you require high precision placed holes then this set is not a good choice. But if you are just drilling some holes that do not require accuracy then go for it. Im disappointed. The reviews are so off on this one. I use reviews a lot to help me in buying good tools and it usually helps. But this time it was bad. So, Luthiers! Dont even think about it.

I've been wanting a Forstner bit set a some time and these were on sale. I decided to spring for the large set and immediately used them after the purchase. They are an excellent quality, nice and sharp, provide nice smooth holes and the plastic case provides a secure storage to help keep the bits sharp and safe from other tools.

I have been looking for a set of these bits for a while. I previously had been getting them one-at-a-time as needed. When I received an email with a promotion for 22 bits [at sale price], I jumped on it. So far I have only used the 3/4" bit, but the bits appear to cut nicely through red oak very cleanly.

I am not sure about some of the comments I read, bits not being sharp, off center, hard to get out of the case, etc. I use my set quite regularly and have found them to be better than many of the single bits I have purchased for a lot more money. I use them to hollow out duck decoys made of Jelutong, Basswood, and Sugar Pine. While certainly not precision work, they work very well. Check the speed at which they are turning, too fast means they will not work well. Lower speeds are a much using a fortsner bit. I have also use them on a lathe with some very hard wood. (maple, cocobolo, and desert ironwood). The work well with the extreme hard woods as well as softer woods, but again, the speed is the key. As for the irregularities noted by some, I would suggest a diamond stick to dress up any irregularities and to keep them razor sharp. Usually only have to do this once. As for the case, yes they fit snugly in the case and are not easy to get out, but I don't want my tools in a case that allows them to fall out or rattle around. Over all very happy with them, and for the price they are a great value.

This set is complete, easy to use, organized, compact and bits perform well. The 2" bit works well for shallow brace mortises in my pergola construction, the chisel work is minimised when used in my shopsmith drill press. I especially like being able to dress the burrs up if needed with the rockler Fostner bit sharpening set. Got them in case but the bit perform well out of the case box.

My first time with Forstners. This was half off and I just got a new Drill Press so I picked these up - excellent bargain. Drill slowly, I've found. After 1/2 inch the waste buildup in the hole needs to be cleared to avoid burning. I bought a 40mm bit identical to this set's design for my Mag Jigs. I drilled about 9 or so holes for my jigs through 3/4 and 1" material. I did get some fold-back, i.e. a burr, on the main cutters not the spurs so that gives you an idea of how long before sharpening. Beware that the max RPM on the shaft is really arbitrary =1" marked 620 RPM. They don't even match the recommended speeds mounted to the inside top. But they're not visible once you put the bit in the chuck, so I go off the recommended speeds. The recommended speeds match my Press's recommendation in most cases for Hardwood, but not softwood ex. 1/4"-3/8" BitSet:2000 MyPress:2400. These bits drill very nice smooth holes. If you're drilling plywood, beware the veneer on the other side. Drill even slower or drill in from the other side. Otherwise these are tear-out free.

I had been struggling to make flat bottom holes in wood to be used for attachment to a miter gauge for my table saw. I purchased a single forstner bit from my local hardware store but could not use it as my drill has a maximum bit opening of 1/4". The bit had a shank of 3/8". I purchased a bench drill press at the same time as this 22 piece forstner bit set on sale. When I got the set I still had the same problem but then my drill press arrived and first I just drilled a 3/8" hole with a standard drill bit on a piece of scrap 2x2, then I used an 1-1/16" forstner on another face and the two holes came through with no tearout at all. I love this set

Seams like a nice set of forstner bits. I bought them on sale so for the price there great. Great selection of sizes. I already have a 16 piece set so this set will fill in the gaps. I've only used one of them to help hollow a bowl I was working on and it cut thru the mahogany nicely.

When I saw this set in your catalog, I thought there was a error on the price. When I received them and tryed them, I was amazed! They cut through the wood like butter! Being a disabled Vietnam Veteran and one of my medical problems being severe neuropathy in both hands, I needed Forstner bits that would drill easily and the price had to be right due to disability received. This product more than made the grade on both accounts! THANK YOU ROCKLER for looking out for your Customers!!

When I began working with wood on the larger scale I used 10-Piece Forstner Bit Set that I purchased from Rockler earlier. As my work expanded (mostly custom orders), I needed larger bits, and my husband got one in local store, thinking it would do. After countless times of stress and even injuries, I gave up using that other set, feeling frustrated that I can not afford larger Forstner bit set at the time. Sometimes I even used small Forstner bits for drilling pilot holes and then would work on the widening with carving tools, that is how frustrating use of the other large set was. As soon as I saw in e-mail that 22-Piece Forstner Bit Set was on sale, I set my mind to get it. However, reading some of the reviews, I was not expecting too much, but thought "it can not be much worse than the other large set". When it came, thrilled is understatement of my reaction. I used large bit for drilling very hard woods, and it felt like a knife in the butter: smooth, easy, accurate drill. For my hands suffering arthritis, this set is absolutely joy to work with! I have noticed that some people gave lower rate on the product based on the case bit set is in, and honestly why does it matter at all? Case is quite functional, and what matters is performance of the set, which is PERFECT! I am grateful Rockler made this offer so I was able to afford this set. Thank you!

The odd sizes were a must, and getting the set while it was on sale turned it into a no brainer. The delivery was prompt, follow up by Rockler was a nice touch, sharp bits, and the product works above par. Overall, I'm happy. Thank You, Rockler.

I use the bits to aid in the construciton of small children toys. The bits remain sharp, are true to size and produce good, clean holes. They have become the bits I use the most and have completely replaced other forstner bits that have maintained in my tool selections

Sharp, Good case. Good assortment of sizes. Have used them in hand held battery powered drills smaller bits as well as a drill press and conventional drills.As with any drill bit, the speed RPM needs to match the size and material of the bit for best results and long life.I've used these to counter-sink Rocklers' round rare earth magnets in my tool cabinet see on Gallery page, as well as Shaker pegs.

I wouldn't consider this set for production work, but for the price, and the average shop, it's an outstanding value. They (the ones that I've used) cut very well, with little or no cleanup. I would not hesitate recommending them.

Good set for the average wood worker. With care these should last a fair amount of time and do a good job me. Looking forward to putting them all to work. More than worth the money I paid for it. With care these should last for a good while. Nice case to keep them in too.

For the home shop this buy was a very good value. Great that the sizes of each bit is stamped onto the bit, unlike Rockler's router bits that don't have sizes stamped onto the bit itself which is unforgivable. No one else does that.

When I opened the box and saw the words "Made in China" a chill ran down my spine. My experience with nearly every tool I've ever gotten from China is that most of them are junk. So, I took one out and looked at it under a magnifying glass. They are kind of crude in their finsh, as is typical of Chinese products. Then gave one a test run. Surprisingly it cut very well and left a nice clean finish. So, for the price, I'm going to use them until they're worthless. I would really like to see "Made in China" on the items they sell that it applies to. Looks like it's a great selection of bits at an affordable price, not a bad deal at all!

When I purchased the 22-Piece Forstner Bit Set, I didn't have a specific project in mind. I just thought is sounded like a great deal. I have taken out a couple of the bits and found them to perform quite well, When I read that they were made in China, my expectations were not that high so I was pleasantly surprised. Had I known up-front that they were made in China, I probably would not have bought them. So, I'm keepin' 'em and I hope they have a long life. My advice for the future is to let potential buyers know if products like these aren't made in the USA. In retrospect, I guess I shouldn't have been that shocked. Really great price for the set!

When I received my 22 Bit Rockler set, as I opened it, my 30 year old son stated: "geez Dad, you didn't have to go out and buy me my own set of Rockler bits." I said, "I didn't buy them for you, I bought them for myself to use, since you've already 'burned' out my other set..." As I took them out of the very nice locked case, they were/are nice and sharp. I also, noticed that they were made in China; I wished they were made in the USA, but, no matter. They are a great product for the price and they do a great job; nice clean, smooth cuts. Sorry, I don't have any pictures! Now, I have to figure out a place to hide them from my son...

I am going to [ditto the comments] of Tom Weldon and add some of my own. I did use a couple of drills and they seem to work like a charm. I am hobbiest and do not manufacture so hopefully these will last a long time but time will tell.

I see many comments on the look of the bits and they are right, but if you chuck the bits up and use it you will find they are satisfactory for 90% of the work you will do. So although they may not look that great they do perform better than they look. Remember to use SLOW speeds with the larger bits. Again, for [price] it is a great deal, especially because you get the 1/16" sizes.

First you need to clean off the corrosion inhibitor. Then you might notice that the course grinding on some of the cutters and have doubts. But they chuck up true and make clean cuts. They require a bit more pressure than some of the more expensive bits I've used, but those bits individually cost as much as this set. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

I got this set to do the occasional flat bottom hole. I was surprised that they were better than some of the post rating these. They do need to be dressed, but that is an easy matter. Just take your diamond hone and your home free. Hey, for the price that you get these, on sale, you will have a hard time beating this deal. They probably won't work for the commercial trade, but they are perfect for the occasional time when you need one.

This is a great set for the money. They are not intended for production work but the set has the hard to find in between sizes. In the toys I make, proportion is important so having the right size is critical

Got this set on a good Rockler sale, so it was a great value for me. There is a huge selection of bits here and they are very sturdy {as is the case, which makes for convenient storage under the drill press}. As other reviews have mentioned they could be sharper out of the box, but that's fixable. They are solid, heavy bits and if you can get them on sale they are very worth it.

Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page.

You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart.

Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page.

You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart.

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."

- Daniel F.

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."